The work of dedicated rhinology practitioner Tami Runyan, PA, makes a strong case for subspecialty APPs
Though the Division of Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery expanded from one to three MD faculty members between 2013 and 2019, demand for care quickly outpaced that growth. Appointment scheduling for new and established patients could stretch to three months out or longer.
Bringing in general advanced practice practitioners and otolaryngologists helped ease the high volume of patients, but David Jang, MD, and team ultimately found someone keen to focus on rhinology and enhance their ability to provide highly specialized, collaborative care: Tami Runyan, PA.
“Tami brings decades of experience in otolaryngology, having practiced in a variety of settings all over the country,” says Dr. Jang. “She demonstrated a strong interest in rhinology, and we began utilizing her for more complex patients and procedures in the office.”
Ms. Runyan worked in clinical research before becoming a PA. “I saw how that translated into clinical medicine,” she explains. “So from that experience, I wanted to practice independent patient care and make medical decisions.” She was drawn to otolaryngology because, she says, “The head and neck encompass all of the special senses. So they usually define us. They help us interact with our world. They help us enjoy our world.”
The point person for all rhinology-related issues at Duke’s three outpatient locations, Ms. Runyan is also in charge of office-based procedures in South Durham and Raleigh. Thanks to her organizational efficiency and scope of capabilities, patients with urgent issues are usually seen within 48-72 hours.
“Patients are very appreciative of Tami,” says Dr. Jang. “Their feedback has always been extremely positive.”
“For me,“ Ms. Runyan says, “most important is creating a trustworthy and comfortable environment so that hopefully patients feel that I've given them all the time to answer their questions.”
Ms. Runyan also performs workup and preoperative care for in-patient surgical cases, increasing Duke’s capacity for otolaryngology procedures. Post-surgery, she handles long-term management of patients experiencing chronic problems.
Incorporating PAs and other advanced practice practitioners who have an affinity for specialized care is a solution Dr. Jang could see effectively implemented elsewhere within Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS): “As our department grows, sub-specialized APPs for each division will help to streamline clinical operations.”